There was little hemp talk at the NBWA’s Annual Convention this week, as the trade group continues to wait out what will happen on the federal level ahead of an impending December 11 “ban.” 

However, Hemp Beverage Alliance president and CEO Chris Lackner had plenty to share in a seminar Tuesday, following the conclusion of the NBWA’s second general session (a.k.a. post-George W. Bush chat).

Dive into the highlights from his seminar, including what he believes the most likely solution will be, where hemp supporters and their opponents have found common ground and why hemp beverages have a “bright future.” 

Applications for the Brewbound Live 2026 Pitch Slam close TODAY at 5 p.m. ET. The competition will take place during Brewbound Live, December 9 + 10 in Marina del Rey, California.

The Pitch Slam is open to a broad mix of brands, including beer (alcoholic and NA), hard cider, hard seltzer, hard kombucha, canned cocktails and other canned beer-, wine- and spirits-based beverages. The focus is not simply on what is new, but on how each brand can contribute to growth across beer and the broader beverage-alcohol industry.

This year, we want to specifically hear your answer to: “How will your brand help bring more consumers into beverage-alcohol?” Share how your product will be incremental to the industry, whether by meeting new occasions, speaking to new consumers, tapping into unclaimed territory or otherwise.

Learn more and apply

The Brewbound Team has returned from the NBWA’s Annual Convention, but we made sure to record an on-the-ground recap for Brewbound Podcast listeners before we left Orlando.

Managing editor Jess Infante also gave a vibe check on this year’s renewed GABF, which she stopped at before heading to the Sunshine State.

This week’s feature interview is with Two Robbers founders Vivek and Vikram Nayar, who shared how local sports partnerships have helped the spirits-based RTD brand get in front of new consumers, and how that translates to off-premise sales. 

Listen here or on your preferred podcast platform, including Apple and Spotify. 

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Want to share news or tips? ✉️ Submit a press release or reach out to news@brewbound.com.

Interested in other beverage coverage? 👀 Check out the BevNET Daily Briefing covering the broader beverage industry, including energy drinks, cannabis and other non-alcoholic beverages. Want to stick to the hard stuff? Subscribe to our Spirits Newsletter (published every 2 weeks). 

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